Important points when dealing with eyes:
- When you have concerns about a pet's eyes, it is always best to have the pet evaluated by a veterinarian right away.
- Ocular emergencies:
- Glaucoma
- Uveitis
- Corneal lacerations
- Proptosis (eye popped out of socket)
- Sudden blindness
- Symptoms prompting evaluation:
- redness
- swelling
- squinting, pain
- haziness
- changes in vision/ concern for blindness
- irregular or asymmetric pupil shape
- blood in the eye or bleeding from the eye
- Flushing the eye with saline can help remove dirt and debris. Never use a needle near the eyes when flushing with saline.
- Avoid placing pressure around the eyes if you are concerned about an eye problem, as this can lead to irreversible damage if there is glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye) or a perforated cornea.
- The eye needs to remain moist if there is an injury that causes proptosis (where the eye popped out of the socket), keeping the surface moist with saline, bandaging withsaline-soaked gauze or sterile lubricant while en-route to the ER can be helpful.
Watch the videos below for answers to common questions about eyes and the best advice from the ophthalmologist.